Crato, Brazil

With a population of just 131,050, Crato is a small city that offers little more than a rural, sleepy atmosphere. The economy is a mix of basic trading and agriculture, with a modest industrial park slowly expanding. But don't expect a high quality of life - the region's mild climate is accompanied by persistent bureaucratic headaches.

Founded in 1764 by a Capuchin friar, Crato was originally a small village inhabited by native Kariris people. It gained official city status in 1817, in part thanks to the influence of a local priest named Padre Cicero, who settled there after being outcast from a nearby town. Today, the city hosts several universities and a commuter rail line to the larger city of Juazeiro do Norte.

If you're seeking an affordable, slow-paced lifestyle in northeastern Brazil, Crato might suit you. But for anyone seeking the buzz and opportunities of a true Brazilian metropolis, this small city will likely leave you underwhelmed.